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A husky howls as sledders and their huskies practice at a forest course ahead of the Aviemore Sled Dog Rally on Jan. 19, 2016 in Feshiebridge, Scotland. Dogs howl to communicate something to their handlers.

Why does my dog howl?

A husky howls as sledders and their huskies practice at a forest course ahead of the Aviemore Sled Dog Rally on Jan. 19, 2016 in Feshiebridge, Scotland. Dogs howl to communicate something to their handlers.

Spent another sleepless night with your dog howling? Understand there are reasons for some of the things your dog does. Knowing why puts you one step ahead of another sleepless night.

Howling is a type of communication for a dog seeking attention, or it can be a behavioral response to a trigger such as uncomfortable sounds, physical discomfort or emotional stress.

When you are sad or want attention, you make it known — either intentionally or otherwise — by telling people around you or allowing them to see that something is bothering you. Your dog can't tell you what's wrong, so it communicates vocally, with its body language and behavior.

Howling is just one way for your dog to interact with you. It is a response many dogs have to high-pitched sounds, sadness and even to show dissatisfaction.

Anxiety Howling

Anxiety howling may be what's happening if your dog howls as soon as you leave the house and are nowhere in sight. Your dog feels sad when it is left alone. Many dogs do this, and some people see this as “doggie crying” or a dog’s “song of sadness.”

Dogs with separation anxiety often howl and pace the floor. Some go as far as destroying things in the house. Others may protest by pooping on the floor or in rooms they are not usually allowed in. However, if these things accompany howling and your dog shows signs of isolating itself when you are around, it may have depression.

The howling becomes your dog’s cry for help in its distress, and you as the responsible pet parent should take this situation seriously to help your pet and eventually stop its excessive howling.

Under The Weather

Just like you, your dog gets sick from time to time. When you are hurt or in pain you cry, but your dog howls. If you cannot see an immediate cause for your dog to howl, it's best to take your pet to a veterinarian to rule out any injury or illness that you are not aware of. A vet can help your pet get better and give you both peace of mind.

Sounds

Dogs have accute stereo hearing, comparable to the best microphones in concert halls with the best acoustic setups, perhaps even better. Because of this, many dogs respond to high-pitched sounds such as ambulances and police cars passing by, which act as a trigger to howling.

Dogs barking and howling from a distance can also trigger your dog to howl. It is a way for them to communicate with other dogs in the neighborhood, sometimes seen as dogs talking to each other. Perhaps your dog is letting your neighbor’s dog know that everything will be all right.

In the olden days, a dog’s howl was a warning sign, and many attest to it. The intelligence and the super senses of a dog can and will warn its human companions about coming storms and earthquakes.

How Do We Stop Dogs From Howling Too Much?

Howling is an extensive subject to tackle. The rule of thumb, though, is that you must understand why your dog is howling and go from there.

Start by reducing triggers can cause your dog howl. Avoid situations that make him anxious, like fireworks, crowds or other dogs. If your dog howls because it is distressed, depressed or anxious, desensitization and counter conditioning (DSCC) can help. Consult your veterinarian first, and consider letting an animal behaviorist or animal psychologist help out by curbing your dog’s excessive reactions to certain triggers.

But what if your dog howls simply to get attention? Then you need to ignore the howling, so you aren't rewarding the behavior, then don’t forget to reward your pet by giving it positive attention when it is quiet.

Being there for your pet and figuring out what goes on in your dog's surroundings can do wonders and even boost your relationship.